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1. An oral composition comprising: a. a surfactant system, comprising: i.
at least one nonionic surfactant; ii. at least one anionic surfactant;
and iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant, and b. an orally acceptable
liquid carrier, wherein foams generated by the composition using the foam
generation and screening test described herein have bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam, at least about 30
bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the bubble size distribution is
such that at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50
microns.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the bubble size distribution is
such that at least about 125 bubbles have a diameter of less than about
50 microns.

4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a foam enhancing agent.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is an
alkylamidopropyl betaine.

14. A method of manufacturing an oral composition comprising the steps
of: a. providing a surfactant system, comprising: i. at least one
nonionic surfactant; ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and iii. at
least one amphoteric surfactant, b. optionally, providing a suspending
agent; and c. mixing the surfactant system with an orally acceptable
liquid carrier wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam by
using the foam generation and screening test described herein where the
foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of
foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50
microns and wherein for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of
25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90% of the bubbles have a
diameter of less than about 50 microns.

15. A method of generating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of: a.
providing a composition comprising: i. a surfactant or surfactant
combination; ii. optionally, a suspending agent; and iii. a liquid
carrier, wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam by using
the foam generation and screening test described herein where the foam
has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam, at
least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns and
wherein for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of 25
mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90% of the bubbles have a
diameter of less than about 50 microns, b. introducing a sufficient
quantity of the composition for swishing in the mouth; and c. swishing
the composition in the mouth to generate a foam.

16. A method of generating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of: a.
providing a composition comprising: i. a surfactant or surfactant
combination, comprising; ii. optionally, a suspending agent; and iii. a
liquid carrier; wherein the composition is capable of generating a foam
by using the foam generation and screening test described herein where
the foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of
foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50
microns and wherein for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of
25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90% of the bubbles have a
diameter of less than about 50 microns. b. contacting the mucosal and
tooth surfaces of the oral cavity with the composition; and c. brushing
the teeth to generate a foam.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the composition is swished in the
mouth for at least 10 seconds.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein a portion of the composition is
removed from the mouth prior to brushing.

19. An oral composition comprising: a. surfactant system, comprising: i.
at least one nonionic surfactant; ii. at least one anionic surfactant;
and iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant b. a foam enhancing agent;
and c. an orally acceptable liquid carrier, wherein foams generated by
the composition using the foam generation and screening test described
herein have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of
foam at least about 150 bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50
microns.

21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the foam enhancing agent is
selected from the group consisting of alginates, carrageenans, salts
thereof or mixtures thereof.

22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the foam enhancing agent is
carrageenan.

23. A composition comprising: a. a surfactant system, comprising: i.
nonionic surfactant; ii. anionic surfactant; and iii. amphoteric
surfactant, b. optionally, a suspending agent; and c. a liquid carrier,
wherein the composition has the following physical properties: i. a tan
delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1; ii. a
first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise at a shear rate of 10
s.sup.-1; and iii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000 centipoise
at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1 and wherein foams generated by the
composition using the foam generation and screening test described herein
have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of the
foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90%
of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 microns.

24. The composition of claim 24, further comprising an insoluble
particulate.

25. The composition of claim 25, wherein the insoluble particulate is a
dentally acceptable abrasive.

26. A composition comprising: 1. at least one surfactant or a surfactant
system, and 2. optionally, at least one suspending agent wherein the
composition is capable of forming a a. a first liquid phase wherein, at a
first moment in time, the composition has the following physical
properties: i. a first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise at a
shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1; and ii. a second viscosity of less than about
1000 centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1; and b. a second foam
phase, when foamed using a foam generation and screening test, such that
a bubble size distribution for each 0.005 grams of foam is at least about
80 bubbles has a diameter of less than about 50 microns and a bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area
of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm is at least 90% of the bubbles have a
diameter of less than 50 microns.

27. A composition comprising: 1. at least one surfactant or a surfactant
system, and 2. optionally, at least one suspending agent, wherein the
composition has a substantivity such that a sufficient amount remains in
the oral cavity after expectoration, swallowing or otherwise removing the
composition from the mouth to form a film on at least one tooth and
wherein the composition is capable of forming a a. a first liquid phase
wherein, at a first moment in time, the composition has the following
physical properties: i. a first viscosity of less than about 2000
centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1; and ii. a second viscosity of
less than about 1000 centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1; and b. a
second foam phase, when foamed using the foam generation and screening
test described herein such that a bubble size distribution for each 0.005
grams of foam is at least about 80 bubbles has a diameter of less than
about 50 microns and a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm
is at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 microns.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to oral care compositions,
and more specifically to oral care compositions suitable for cleaning the
oral cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Oral hygiene compositions fall into two main categories:
dentifrices, and mouthwashes or rinses. Dentifrices generally contain an
insoluble dentally acceptable abrasive which is utilized to physically
cleanse the surface of the teeth. Dentifrices are generally provided in
the form of solid or pasty preparations which can be readily applied to a
toothbrush, for example, powders, pastes or viscous gels.

[0003] Known mouthwash or mouth rinse compositions usually are solutions
containing small amounts of colorings, flavorings and antibacterial or
other active ingredients. These solutions have found use as
breath-freshening, anti-cavity, antiseptic and/or anti-plaque mouth
rinses, or gargle preparations and are commonly used in addition to
conventional tooth cleansing dentifrices.

[0004] While mouth rinses and abrasive dentifrices have been produced as
separate products for many years, a satisfactory form of combined product
is desired in which an effective amount of abrasive is maintained in an
acceptable stable suspension having a sufficiently low viscosity that the
preparation can be swished between and around teeth.

[0005] There remains, therefore, a need for oral compositions, combining
the benefits of both a toothpaste and a mouthwash.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to
compositions having the following physical properties: [0007] a tan
delta of less than 1 (or about 1) at frequencies of 0.1 to 100,
optionally 0.1, rads.sup.-1, [0008] a first (or pourability) viscosity of
less than 2000 (or about 2000) centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1,
and [0009] a second (or swishability) viscosity of less than 1000 (or
about 1000) centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1.

[0010] In specific embodiments, the present invention relates to gel or
liquid gel dentifrices having the following physical properties: [0011]
a tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1) at frequencies of 0.1 to 100,
optionally 0.1, rads.sup.-1, [0012] a first (or pourability) viscosity of
less than 2000 (or about 2000) centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1,
and [0013] a second (or swishability) viscosity of less than 1000 (or
about 1000) centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1.

[0014] In other embodiments, the present invention relates to swishable
liquid gel dentifrice compositions which, after swishing in the mouth,
provide adequate foaming even after a portion, substantial portion or the
bulk of the dentifrice is expelled, swallowed or otherwise removed from
the mouth, generating the foam from the coating of the composition
retained on the teeth tongue or other oral surfaces of the mouth after
composition is removed.

[0015] Alternatively, the present invention relates to a gel or liquid gel
mouth rinse that provides a toothpaste-like sensation after a portion,
substantial portion or the bulk of the gel or liquid gel mouth rinse is
expelled, swallowed or otherwise removed from the mouth.

[0016] In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to liquid
compositions comprising:

[0017] a) optionally, from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by
weight of a insoluble particulate such as a nonabrasive particle or
dentally acceptable abrasive,

[0018] b) optionally, from 0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by
weight of suspending polymer,

[0019] c) from 0.001% (or about 0.001) to about 12% (or about 12%) of a
surfactant or surfactant system, and

[0020] d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention relates to oral
care compositions comprising: [0022] a) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to
50% (or about 50%) by weight of a insoluble particulate such as a
nonabrasive particle or dentally acceptable abrasive; [0023] b) from
0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of suspending
polymer; [0024] c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%)
surfactant or surfactant system; and [0025] d) at least 45% (or about
45%) of a liquid carrier, [0026] wherein said composition has a tan delta
of less than 1 (or about 1) at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1 and
wherein the composition is essentially free of bioavailability affecting
compounds.

[0027] In other embodiments, the present invention relates to oral care
compositions consisting essentially of: [0028] a) from 0.1% (or about
0.1%) to 50% (or about 50%) by weight of a insoluble particulate such as
a nonabrasive particle or dentally acceptable abrasive; [0029] b) from
0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of suspending
polymer; [0030] c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%)
surfactant; and [0031] d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid
carrier, [0032] wherein said composition has a tan delta of less than
about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1.

[0033] In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to oral
care compositions, comprising: [0034] a) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to
50% (or about 50%) by weight of a insoluble particulate such as a
nonabrasive particle or dentally acceptable abrasive; [0035] b) from
0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 5% (or about 5%) by weight of polysaccharide
gum; [0036] c) from 0.1% (or about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%) surfactant;
and [0037] d) at least 45% (or about 45%) of a liquid carrier, [0038]
wherein said composition has a tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1) at
frequencies of 0.1 to 100, optionally 0.1, rads.sup.-1.

[0039] In further embodiments, the present invention relates to
compositions, comprising: [0040] a. a surfactant system, comprising:
[0041] i. at least one nonionic surfactant; [0042] ii. at least one
anionic surfactant; and [0043] iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant,
[0044] and [0045] b. a liquid carrier, [0046] optionally, wherein the
composition has the following physical properties: [0047] i. a tan delta
of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1; [0048] ii. a
first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise at a shear rate of 10
s.sup.-1; and [0049] iii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000
centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1, [0050] and wherein foams
generated by the composition using the foam generation and screening test
described below have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of foam having at least about 30 bubbles having a diameter of less
than about 50 microns. and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005
grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm,
at least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the
bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

[0051] In still further embodiments, the present invention relates to
methods of manufacturing a composition comprising the steps of: [0052]
a. providing a surfactant system, comprising: [0053] i. at least one
nonionic surfactant; [0054] ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and
[0055] iii. at least one amphoteric surfactant, [0056] and [0057] b.
optionally, providing a suspending agent; and [0058] c. mixing the
surfactant system and, optionally, suspending agent with a liquid carrier
to produce a composition having the following physical properties:
[0059] i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100
rads.sup.-1; [0060] ii. a first viscosity of less than about 700
centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1; and [0061] iii. a second
viscosity of less than about 150 centipoise at a shear rate of 100
s.sup.-1, [0062] and wherein foams generated by the composition using
the foam generation and screening test described below have a bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam having at least about
80 bubbles having a diameter of less than about 50 microns and, or
alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area
of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90%, optionally at least
95%, optionally at least 98% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than
50 (or about 50) microns.

[0063] In certain other embodiments, the present invention relates to
compositions, comprising: [0064] a. at least one surfactant or a
surfactant system, comprising: [0065] i. at least one nonionic
surfactant; [0066] ii. at least one anionic surfactant; and [0067] iii.
at least one amphoteric surfactant [0068] b. a foam enhancing agent;
and [0069] c. a liquid carrier, [0070] optionally, wherein the
composition has the following physical properties: [0071] i. a tan delta
of less than about 1 at frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1; [0072] ii. a
first viscosity of less than about 700 centipoise at a shear rate of 10
s.sup.-1; and [0073] iii. a second viscosity of less than about 150
centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1, [0074] and wherein foams
generated by the composition using the foam generation and screening test
described below have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of foam having at least about 150 bubbles having a diameter of less
than about 50 microns and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams
of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at
least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the
bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

[0075] In still further embodiments, the present invention relates to
methods of manufacturing a composition comprising the steps of: [0076]
1. providing at least one surfactant or a surfactant system, comprising:
[0077] a. at least one nonionic surfactant; [0078] b. at least one
anionic surfactant; and [0079] c. at least one amphoteric surfactant,
[0080] and [0081] d. optionally, providing a suspending agent; and [0082]
e. mixing the surfactant system and, optionally, suspending agent with a
liquid carrier to, optionally, produce a composition having the following
physical properties: [0083] i. a tan delta of less than about 1 at
frequencies 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1; [0084] ii. a first viscosity of less
than about 700 centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1; and [0085] iii.
a second viscosity of less than about 150 centipoise at a shear rate of
100 s.sup.-1, [0086] wherein the composition is capable of generating
a foam by using the foam generation and screening test described below
where the foam has a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles having a diameter of less than
about 50 microns and, or alternatively, wherein for each 0.005 grams of
the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least
90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the bubbles have
a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

[0087] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
generating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of: [0088] a.
providing a composition comprising: [0089] i. at least one surfactant or
a surfactant system; [0090] ii. optionally, a suspending agent; and
[0091] iii. a liquid carrier, [0092] wherein the composition is capable
of generating a foam by using the foam generation and screening test
described below where the foam has a bubble size distribution such that
for each 0.005 grams of foam, at least about 80 bubbles have a diameter
of less than about 50 microns and wherein for each 0.005 grams of the
foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90%
of the bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns, [0093] b.
introducing a sufficient quantity of the composition for swishing in the
mouth; and [0094] c. swishing the composition in the mouth to generate a
foam.

[0095] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
generating foam in the mouth comprising the steps of: [0096] a.
providing a composition comprising: [0097] i. at least one surfactant or
a surfactant system, comprising; [0098] ii. optionally, a suspending
agent; and [0099] iii. a liquid carrier; [0100] wherein the composition
is capable of generating a foam by using the foam generation and
screening test described below where the foam has a bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam, at least about 80
bubbles have a diameter of less than about 50 microns and wherein for
each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75
mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter of less
than about 50 microns. [0101] b. contacting the mucosal and tooth
surfaces of the oral cavity with the composition; and [0102] c. brushing
the teeth to generate a foam.

[0103] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
composition comprising: [0104] 1. at least one surfactant or a
surfactant system, and [0105] 2. optionally, at least one suspending
agent [0106] wherein the composition is capable of forming a [0107] a. a
first liquid phase wherein, at a first moment in time, the composition
has the following physical properties: [0108] i. a first viscosity of
less than about 2000 centipoise at a shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1; and
[0109] ii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000 centipoise at a
shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1; [0110] and [0111] b. a second foam phase,
when foamed using a foam generation and screening test, such that a
bubble size distribution for each 0.005 grams of foam is at least about
80 bubbles has a diameter of less than about 50 microns and a bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of the foam occupying an area
of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm is at least 90% of the bubbles have a
diameter of less than 50 microns.

[0112] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
composition comprising: [0113] 1. at least one surfactant or a
surfactant system, and [0114] 2. optionally, at least one suspending
agent, [0115] wherein the composition has a substantivity such that a
sufficient amount remains in the oral cavity after expectoration,
swallowing or otherwise removing the composition from the mouth to form a
film on at least one tooth and wherein the composition is capable of
forming [0116] a. a first liquid phase wherein, at a first moment in
time, the composition has the following physical properties: [0117] i. a
first viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise at a shear rate of 10
s.sup.-1; and [0118] ii. a second viscosity of less than about 1000
centipoise at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1; [0119] and [0120] b. a
second foam phase, when foamed using the foam generation and screening
test described below such that a bubble size distribution for each 0.005
grams of foam is at least about 80 bubbles has a diameter of less than
about 50 microns and a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of the foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm
is at least 90% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 microns.

[0121] In addition, other embodiments of the present invention relate to
methods of cleaning the oral cavity where an effective amount of the oral
care compositions of the present invention are: i) introduced into the
oral cavity (such as by sipping a quantity of the composition), ii)
swished around the oral cavity for a sufficient amount of time to coat
the teeth and mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity and iii) a portion,
substantial portion or the bulk of the composition being expelled,
swallowed or, otherwise removed from the oral cavity. As used herein the
term "bulk of the composition" means that portion of the composition
which is not retained by the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
Optionally, the teeth can be brushed with a toothbrush if so desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0122] The oral care compositions of the present invention can comprise,
consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and
limitations of the invention described herein, as well any of the
additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described
herein.

[0123] The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used
herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not
in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of" The terms "a" and "the" as
used herein are understood to encompass the plural as well as the
singular.

[0124] All patent documents incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety are only incorporated herein to the extent that they are not
inconsistent with this specification.

[0125] All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight
of the composition of the present invention, unless otherwise specified.
All such weights as they pertain to the listed ingredients are based on
the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products
that may be included in commercially available materials, unless
otherwise specified.

[0126] Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements and tests described
herein are conducted at a temperature of 25.degree. C. (or about
25.degree. C.).

[0127] The term "safe and effective amount" as used herein means an amount
of a compound or composition such as a topical or system active
sufficient to significantly induce a positive benefit, for example, an
antimicrobial effect, but low enough to avoid serious side effects, i.e.,
to provide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio, within the scope of sound
judgment of the skilled artisan.

[0128] As used herein the phrase "dentally acceptable" means the compound,
substance or device may be administered to or into the oral cavity and/or
surfaces of the oral cavity, including the teeth and gums, without
substantial harmful effects to the oral cavity and/or its surfaces.

[0129] As used herein the terms "formulation" and "composition" are used
interchangeably.

[0130] All viscosity measurements are obtained using an RFSII rheometer
(TA Instruments, New Castle, Del.) with couette geometry.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the present invention is a liquid gel
dentifrice having rheological properties such that the liquid gel
dentifrice is swishable in the mouth.

[0132] The oral care compositions of the present invention, including the
essential and optional components thereof, are described in detail
hereinafter.

Insoluble Particulate

[0133] In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present
invention comprise a safe and effective amount of a water insoluble
particulate. The water insoluble particulate can be an abrasive particle
(such as a dentally acceptable abrasive) or non-abrasive particulate.

[0134] In certain embodiments, dentally acceptable abrasives include, but
are not limited to, water insoluble calcium salts such as calcium
carbonate, and various calcium phosphates, alumina, silica, synthetic
resins and mixtures thereof. Suitable dentally acceptable abrasives may
generally be defined as those having a radioactive dentine abrasion value
(RDA) of from about 30 to about 250 at the concentrations used in the
compositions of the present invention. In certain embodiments, abrasives
are non-crystalline, hydrated, silica abrasives, particularly in the form
of precipitated silica or milled silica gels available commercially, for
example, under the trade names ZEODENT (J. M. Huber Corporation, Edison,
N.J.), and SYLODENT (W.R. Grace & Co., New York, N.Y.), respectively. In
certain embodiments, the compositions according to the present invention
comprise from about 1% to about 20%, or, optionally, from about 5% to
about 10% by weight of the abrasive.

[0135] Alternatively, the insoluble particulate is a non-abrasive
particulate which is visible to the unaided eye and stable in the
compositions of the present invention.

[0136] The non-abrasive particulate can be of any size, shape, or color,
according to the desired characteristic of the product, so long as it is
distinctively detected as an individual particle by the unaided eye. The
non-abrasive particulates will typically have the shape of a small round
or substantially round ball or sphere, however, platelet or rod-shaped
configurations are also contemplated herein. Generally, a non-abrasive
particulate has an average diameter of from about 50 .mu.m to about 5000
.mu.m, optionally from about 100 .mu.m to about 3000 .mu.m, or optionally
from about 300 .mu.m to about 1000 .mu.m. By the terms "stable" and/or
"stability", it is meant that the abrasive or non-abrasive particulates
are not disintegrated, agglomerated, or separated under normal shelf
conditions. In certain embodiments, the terms "stable" and/or "stability"
further mean that the compositions of present invention contain no
visible (to the unaided eye) signs of sedimentation of the insoluble
particulates after 8 weeks, optionally 26 weeks, optionally 52 weeks, at
room temperature.

[0137] The non-abrasive particulates herein are typically incorporated in
the present compositions at levels of from about 0.01% to about 25%,
optionally, from about 0.01% to about 5%, or optionally, from about 0.05%
to about 3%, by weight of the composition.

[0139] The structural material provides a certain strength to the
non-abrasive particulates so that they retain their distinctively
detectable structure in the compositions of the present invention under
normal shelf conditions. In one embodiment, the structural material
further can be broken and disintegrated with very little shear on the
teeth, tongue or oral mucosa upon use.

[0141] In other embodiments, the structural material herein comprises
components selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and
their derivatives, saccharides and their derivatives, oligosaccharides,
monosaccharides, and mixtures thereof, or optionally, comprises
components are having various degrees of water solubility. In some
embodiments, the structural material comprises lactose, cellulose, and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0143] The non-abrasive particulates herein may encompass, contain, or be
filled with an encompassed material. Such encompassed material can be
water soluble or water insoluble. Suitable encompassed materials include
benefit agents as described herein such as: oral care actives, vitamins,
pigments, dyes, antimicrobial agents, chelating agents, optical
brighteners, flavors, perfumes, humectants, and mixtures thereof. The
encompassed materials herein are substantially retained within the
non-abrasive particulates, and are substantially not dissolved from the
particulates and into the compositions of the present composition under
normal shelf conditions.

[0144] Particularly useful commercially available non-abrasive
particulates herein are those with tradenames Unisphere and Unicerin
available from Induchem AG (Switzerland), and Confetti Dermal Essentials
available from United-Guardian Inc. (NY, USA). Unisphere and Unicerin
particles are made of microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, lactose, vitamins, pigments, and proteins. Upon use, the
Unisphere and Unicerin particles can be disintegrated with very little
shear and with practically no resistance, and readily disperse in the
compositions of the present invention.

[0145] Suitable non-abrasive particulates for incorporation in the present
compositions are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,683
(organogel particles); U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,813 (rupturable beads); U.S.
2004/0047822 A1 (visible capsules); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,815
(capsulated or particulated oily substances), each of which patent
documents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the abrasive and/or nonabrasive particles
have a density different or, optionally, substantially different from the
carrier in which these particles are formulated.

Suspending Agent

[0147] In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions according to the
present invention also contain at least one suspending agent suitable for
maintaining solid particles (such as abrasives) in a substantially stable
suspension during storage without over-thickening the composition.

[0148] In certain embodiments, the suspending agents comprise, consist
essentially of or consist of organic suspending agents. In more specific
embodiments, the suspending agents comprise, consist essentially of or
consist of water-soluble suspending agents such as polysaccharide gums.
In embodiments where the suspending agents consist essentially of or
consist of organic suspending agents and/or water soluble suspending
agents, the suspending agent is free of compounds which tend to or might
affect the bioavailability of actives such as oral care actives
incorporated in compositions with the suspending agent.

[0149] In certain embodiments, suitable suspending agents include
polysaccharide gums, or optionally specific, anionic gums, such as gellan
and xanthan, available commercially for example under the trade names,
respectively, KELCOGEL and KELTROL (CP Kelco U.S., Inc. Atlanta, Ga.),
and mixtures thereof. In specific embodiments the xanthan gum has the
following specifications:

Xanthan gums falling within the scope of such specifications include, but
are not limited to, Keltrol CG-T (CP Kelco).

[0150] In alternative embodiments, the suspending agent is gellan gum.
Gellan gum(s) suitable for use herein is/are described in detail in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,326,052 to Kang et al.; 4,326,053 to Kang et al.; 4,377,636
to Kang et al., 4,385,123 to Kang et al.; 4,377,636 to Baird et al.;
4,385,123 to Baird et al.; 4,563,366 to Baird et al.; 4,503,084 to Baird
et al.; 5,190,927 to Chang. et al.; and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2003/0100078
to Harding et al., each of which patent documents are herein incorporated
by reference in their entirety. In specific embodiments, the gellan gum
is high acyl gellan gum. Suitable high acyl gellan gums are described in
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,996 to Sworn et al. and U.S. Pat. Pub. No.
US20050266138 to Yuan et al., both of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety.

[0151] Suitable suspending agents also include microcrystalline cellulose
or a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose
sodium. Microcrystalline cellulose and mixtures of microcrystalline
cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (hereinafter MCC/CMC) are
available from FMC Corporation (Philadelphia, Pa.) under the trade name
Avicel.RTM.. In certain embodiments, such mixtures have a ratio of
microcrystalline cellulose to carboxymethylcellulose sodium of from about
20:1 to about 1:1, optionally from about 15:1 to about 3:1, or
optionally, from about 10:1 to about 5:1.

[0153] Also useful as the suspending polymer are chemically modified
clay(s). The term "chemically modified clays" as used herein means that
the clays have been chemically modified either during their formation or
after their formation such that the clays have no or substantially no
affinity for fluoride ions and/or other oral care actives so as to reduce
the bioavailability such ions or actives when used in combination.
Suitable chemically modified clays include, but are not limited to,
fluoride ion modified magnesium silicate clays such as Laponite DF
(Rockwood Additives Limited, Cheshire, U.K.); tetrapotassium
pyrophosphate/tetrasodium pyrophosphate modified magnesium aluminum
silicate clays such as Veegum D (R.T. Vanderbilt, Norwalk, Conn.) and
mixtures thereof.

[0154] In certain embodiments, the suspending agent is a mixture of 1)
xanthan gum with 2) a microcrystalline cellulose; a MCM/CMC mixture;
mixtures of the microcrystalline cellulose and MCM/CMC; or mixtures of
the various MCM/CMC mixtures.

[0155] In specific embodiments, the ratio of 1) the xanthan gum to 2) the
microcrystalline cellulose; MCM/CMC mixture; mixtures of the
microcrystalline cellulose and MCM/CMC; or mixtures of the various
MCM/CMC mixtures is from 0.5:1 (or about 0.5:1) to 25:1 (or about 25:1),
optionally, from 1:1 (or about 1:1) to 20:1 (or about 20:1), optionally
from 1:1 (or about 1:1) to 10:1 (or about 10:1).

[0156] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention
comprise from about 0.01 to about 5%, optionally from about 0.05% to
about 3%, optionally from about 0.05% to about 1%, or optionally from
about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition of a suspending
agent.

Surfactant System

[0157] In certain embodiments, surfactants, which are surface active
agents, are incorporated into the compositions of the present invention
to aid wetting, to improve the cleansing capability of the compositions,
to produce a cosmetically acceptable foam in use, to solubilize flavoring
oils when present and to improve the extent and quality of foaming
produced by the oral compositions of the present invention.

[0158] In some embodiments, the present invention incorporates a
surfactant system to provide adequate foam generation and/or consistency.
In these embodiments, the surfactant system is capable of providing
adequate foam generation and/or consistency even after a portion,
substantial portion or the bulk of the composition of the present
invention is expectorated, swallowed or otherwise removed from the oral
cavity, the form being generated from the remaining film of the
composition on the teeth, tongue or other oral or mucosal surfaces of the
mouth. In other embodiments, the surfactant system of the present
invention comprises a combination of amphoteric, nonionic, and amphoteric
surfactants.

[0159] Surfactants suitable for use in the surfactant system are those
that are reasonably stable and generate appropriate foam throughout a
wide pH range. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is a combination of
anionic, nonionic, amphoteric surfactants. Anionic surfactants useful
herein include, but are not limited to, sarcosine type surfactants or
sarcosinates; taurates such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate; alkyl
sulfates such as sodium trideceth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate;
sodium lauryl sulfoacetate; sodium lauroyl isethionate; sodium laureth
carboxylate; sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate and mixtures thereof. Many
suitable anionic surfactants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,458, to
Agricola, et al., herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0160] Nonionic surfactants which can be used in the compositions of the
present invention include, but are not limited to, compounds produced by
the condensation of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an
organic hydrophobic compound which may be aliphatic or alkyl-aromatic in
nature. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not
limited to, alkyl polyglucosides; block copolymers such as ethylene oxide
and propylene oxide copolymers e.g. Poloxamers; ethoxylated hydrogenated
castor oils available commercially for example under the trade name
CRODURET (Croda Inc., Edison, N.J.), and/or ethoxylated sorbitan esters
such as PEG-80 sorbitan laurate or those available commercially for
example under the trade name TWEEN (Croda, Edison, N.J.); fatty alcohol
ethoxylates; polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols; products
derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction product
of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine; ethylene oxide condensates of
aliphatic alcohols; long chain tertiary amine oxides; long chain tertiary
phosphine oxides; long chain dialkyl sulfoxides; and mixtures thereof.

[0161] The amphoteric surfactants useful in the present invention include,
but are not limited to, derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary
amines in which the aliphatic radical can be a straight chain or branched
and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to
about 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water-solubilizing
group, e.g., carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.
Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited
alkylimino-diproprionates, alkylamphoglycinates (mono or di),
alkylamphoproprionates (mono or di), alkylamphoacetates (mono or di),
N-alkyl .beta.-aminoproprionic acids, alkylpolyamino carboxylates,
phosphorylated imidazolines, alkyl betaines, alkylamido betaines,
alkylamidopropyl betaines, alkyl sultaines, alkylamido sultaines, and
mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant is
selected from the group consisting of alkylamidopropyl betaines,
amphoacetates such as sodium lauroamphoacetate and mixtures thereof.
Mixtures of any of the above mentioned surfactants can also be employed.
A more detailed discussion of anionic, nonionic and amphoteric
surfactants can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,087,650 to Lennon; 7,084,104
to Martin et al.; 5,190,747 to Sekiguchi et al.; and 4,051,234, Gieske,
et al., each of which patents are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.

[0163] In specific embodiments, the surfactant system of the present
invention comprises a combination of alkyl sarcosines, alkyl
polyglucosides, and alkylamidopropyl betaine surfactants.

[0164] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant is an alkyl sarcosine
which typically has an alkyl group containing from 10 to 24, optionally
from 12 to 20, optionally 15 to 18 carbon atoms. Salts can be readily
formed by reacting the alkyl sarcosines with an appropriate base, such as
sodium, potassium, ammonium hydroxide, monoethanol amine, diethanol amine
or triethanol amine. Some representative examples of sodium alkyl
sarcosines which can be used include sodium lauroyl sarcosinates, sodium
cocoyl sarcosinates, sodium myristol sarcosinates sodium oleoyl
sarcosinates sodium stearyl sarcosinates and similar sarcosinates. In
specific embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present invention
incorporate sodium lauroyl sarcosinate as the sarcosine surfactant.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is commercially available from Chattem
Chemicals, Inc. as Hamposyl.RTM. L-30.

[0165] In some other embodiments, the nonionic surfactant is an alkyl
polyglucosides nonionic surfactant. In specific embodiments, the present
invention incorporates long chain alkyl polyglucosides. Suitable long
chain alkyl polyglucosides include condensation products of (a) a long
chain alcohol containing from 6 to 22, optionally from 8 to 14 carbon
atoms, with (b) glucose or a glucose-containing polymer. The alkyl
polyglucosides have about 1 to about 6 glucose residues per molecule of
alkyl glucoside. Suitable alkyl polyglucosides include, but are not
limited to, coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, and lauryl glucoside. In
other specific embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present
invention incorporate lauryl glucoside as the alkyl polyglucosides.
Lauryl glucoside is commercially available from Cognis Corp. as Plantaren
1200 N UP.

[0166] In some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant is an
alkylamidopropyl betaine as represented by the following structural
formula

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1 is a long chain alkyl radical having from 1 to 18,
optionally from 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. In specific embodiments, the
alkylamidopropyl betaine incorporated into the oral care compositions of
the present invention is cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0167] In certain embodiments, the anionic, nonionic and amphoteric
surfactants are incorporated into the surfactant system at a ratio of
from 80:10:10 (or about 80:10:10) to 20:40:40 (or about 20:40:40),
optionally 60:20:20 (or about 60:20:20) to 40:30:30 (or about 40:30:30),
or optionally 50:25:25 (or about 50:25:25).

[0168] The surfactants or surfactant systems are present at a level of
from 0.001% (or about 0.001%) to 12% (or about 12%), optionally from
0.01% (or about 0.01%) to 8% (or about 8%), optionally from 0.1% (or
about 0.1%) to 5% (or about 5%), or optionally from 0.2% (or about 0.2%)
to 2.5% (or about 2.5%) by weight of the composition.

[0169] In some embodiments, the surfactant systems or surfactant(s) are
incorporated into the compositions of the present invention and screened
using a specific foam generation and screening test.

Foam Generation and Screening Test

[0170] The foam generation and screening test used to characterize the
foams of the present invention comprises the steps of diluting a
composition comprising the surfactant systems or surfactant(s) of the
present invention with an artificial saliva solution comprising:

such that the mixture comprises 80% of the surfactant containing
composition and 20% of the artificial saliva solution, the mixture is
then blended for 10 seconds using a Oster 14-speed blender (model number
6855) on the easy clean speed setting (speed setting No. 1).

[0171] A 0.005 gram sample of the foam from the surface of the mixture
inside the blender was removed using a spatula.

[0172] The 0.005 gram foam sample was placed on a 25 mm.times.75 mm glass
slide having two 0.634 mm PET spacers positioned on each corner of the
slide. A second slide was placed onto the first slide and spaced by the
PET spacers ensuring that there was a monolayer of foam between the two
slides.

[0173] The slide was mounted on the Olympus optical microscope (model
BX-51 with Discover Details 5 Image Analysis software stage), adjusting
the microscope to reflectance mode and capturing the image using the
5.times. objective and then analyzed.

[0174] Foams generated from compositions incorporating the surfactant(s)
or surfactant systems of the present invention and using the foam
generation and screening test described herein have a bubble size
distribution such that for each 0.005 grams of foam, at least 30 (or
about 30), optionally 50 (or about 50), optionally 65 (or about 65),
optionally 80 (or about 80), optionally 100 (or about 100), optionally
125 (or about 125), optionally 150 (or about 150), optionally 175 (or
about 175), or optionally 200 (or about 200) bubbles have a diameter of
less than 50 (or about 50) microns and additionally, or alternatively,
wherein the foams have a bubble size distribution such that for each
0.005 grams of foam occupying an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270
mm, at least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98% of the
bubbles have a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50) microns.

[0175] In alternative embodiments, the above mentioned surfactants are
incorporated singly or in various other combinations.

Foam Enhancing Agents

[0176] In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention
incorporates a foam enhancing agent to further increase the number or
percentage of bubbles having a diameter of less than 50 (or about 50)
microns in the bubble size distribution generated by the surfactants or
surfactant systems of the present invention.

[0178] The foam enhancing agent(s) are present at a level of from about
0.001% to about 12%, optionally from about 0.01% to about 8%, optionally
from about 0.1% to about 5%, or optionally from about 0.2 to about 2.5%
by weight of the oral care composition.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the foam enhancing agents are
incorporated into the compositions of the present invention with the
above-mentioned surfactant systems or surfactant(s) and screened using
the foam generation and screening test, the foams generated by the
screening test have a bubble size distribution such that for each 0.005
grams of foam at least 150 (or about 150), optionally 200 (or about 200),
optionally 225 (or about 225), optionally 250 (or about 250), optionally
275 (or about 275), optionally 300 (or about 300), optionally 325 (or
about 325), optionally 350 (or about 350), optionally 375 (or about
375)), or optionally 400 (or about 400) bubbles have a diameter of less
than 50 (or about 50) microns and additionally, or alternatively, wherein
the foams generated by the screening test have a bubble size distribution
such that for each 0.005 grams of foam occupying an area of 25
mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, at least 90%, optionally at least 95%,
optionally at least 98% of the bubbles have a diameter of less than 50
(or about 50) microns.

Gas Generating Agents or Materials

[0180] In certain embodiments, gas is used to generate foam in the oral
cavity. This is specifically useful in embodiments in which the teeth are
manually cleaned with a clean instrument, such as a toothbrush, after a
portion, substantial portion or the bulk of the composition has been
removed (expectorated) from the oral cavity.

[0183] In some embodiments gas can be generated by mixing two or more
separated formulations prior (or just prior) to usage such as by
combining acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, adipic
acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, or sulfamic acid and mixtures thereof with
carbonate salts such as sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium
carbonate, ammonium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate,
calcium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof to produce an effervescent
reaction.

[0184] In yet another embodiment gas can be generated in-vivo during usage
by incorporating gaseous liquids such as carbonated liquids into the
product during manufacture and/or just prior to usage. In this embodiment
the invention can either be a single formulation or two or more
formulations kept separated from each other and mixed prior (or just
prior) to usage.

[0185] In still other embodiments, the compositions of the present
invention are free of or essentially free of gas-generating agents or
materials. "Essentially free" as used with respect to gas-generating
agents or materials is defined as formulations having less than 5% (or
about 5%), optionally, 3% (or about 3%), optionally, 1% (or about 1%),
optionally, 0.01% (or about 0.01%) or zero percent, by weight of the
total composition of a gas-generating agent or material.

Rheological Properties

[0186] In some embodiments, the oral care compositions or formulations are
stable and pourable for rinsing, having rheological properties including
the ability to suspend particles, pour easily, and be swishable in the
mouth without negative viscosity build. These formulations also provide
adequate substantivity such that the formulation material is retained in
mouth, post expectoration (or removal), so that, if toothbrushed, the
brushing experience meets consumer expectations (i.e., adequate foaming,
body, mouthfeel etc.) for improving the post rinse and/or brush-sensory
experience.

[0188] By using dynamic rheology, the prediction of physical stability can
often be accomplished in less than three (3) hours. The dynamic or
oscillatory rheology technique is performed in two parts. First, a strain
sweep test (frequency constant, strain variable) defines the linear
viscoelastic range (LVR). Second, frequency scans (from 0.01 to 5.0 Hz)
are performed at various temperatures, from 5 to 49.degree. C.
(40-120.degree. F.). In certain embodiments, the frequency scans are
performed in the LVR. Dynamic rheology measurements yield data on the
elastic (G') and viscous (G'') moduli. Plotting the elastic to viscous
moduli ratio as a function of frequency and temperature generates a plot
which is a "fingerprint" of the dispersion's colloidal stability. The
G'/G'' ratios correlate well with observed physical stability properties.
Then Tan (delta) is calculated by the ratio of G'' to G', or tan
(delta)=G''/G'. This represents the viscous fraction to elastic fraction
of the suspension.

[0189] In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present
invention have a Tan delta of less than 1 (or about 1), optionally less
than 0.75 (or about 0.75), optionally less than 0.5 (or about 0.5), at
frequencies of between 0.1 to 100 rads.sup.-1 as measured by an RFSII
rheometer (TA Instruments, New Castle, Del.) with couette geometry.

[0190] "Pourability" of oral care formulations is defined as the
capability of moving in a continuous flow. The terms "Swishing"
"Swishable" or "Swishability of" as they relate to the oral care
compositions of the present invention mean moving or the ability to move
the composition with sufficient force to produce a sibilant, or hissing,
sound by movement i) through and/or around the teeth and/or ii) around
the oral cavity, where such movement can occur for a period of time
without noticeable tiring or fatiguing of the jaw muscles of the user.

[0191] Steady state viscosity measurements give information on relevant
ranges of viscosities that may provide consumer acceptable pourability
and swishability in the mouth. In certain embodiments, the compositions
of the present invention have a pourability viscosity of less than 2000
(or about 2000) centipoise, optionally less than 1500 (or about 1500)
centipoise, optionally less than 1000 (or about 1000), optionally less
than 700 (or about 700), optionally less than 500 (or about 500)
centipoise, optionally less than 300 (or about 300) centipoise, at a
shear rate of 10 s.sup.-1. In certain embodiments, the compositions of
the present invention have a swishability viscosity of less than 1000 (or
about 1000) centipoise, optionally less than 500 (or about 500)
centipoise, optionally less than 300 (or about 300), optionally less than
150 (or about 150), optionally less than 100 (or about 100) centipoise,
optionally less than 50 (or about 50) centipoise at a shear rate of 100
s.sup.-1.

[0192] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention
are shear thinning Shear thinning is an effect where viscosity decreases
with increasing rate of shear stress. Materials that exhibit shear
thinning are called pseudoplastic.

[0193] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the oral care
compositions as herein described are used regularly, from 1 to 4,
optionally from 2 to 3, times daily, in place of a conventional
dentifrice. A typical usage involves introducing a safe and effective
amount or quantity (for example, at least 1 [or about 1], optionally, at
least 5 [or about 5], optionally, at least 10 [or about 10], optionally,
at least 15 [or about 15], optionally, at least 20 [or about 20]
milliliters) of the oral care composition into the oral cavity, swishing
the composition around the oral cavity and/or through the teeth for
sufficient time to coat the teeth, and expelling, swallowing or otherwise
removing a portion or substantial portion of the composition from the
mouth. The composition is swished around the oral cavity and/or through
the teeth for at least 10 (or about 10), optionally, at least 20 (or
about 20), optionally, at least 30 (or about 30), optionally, at least 50
(or about 50), optionally, at least 75 (or about 75), optionally, at
least 100 (or about 100), optionally, at least 120 (or about 120), times
or swishing cycles within a period of at least 1 (or about 1),
optionally, at least 5 (or about 5), optionally, at least 10 (or about
10), optionally, at least 15 (or about 15), optionally, at least 20 (or
about 20), optionally, at least 30 (or about 30), optionally, at least 45
(or about 45), optionally, at least 60 (or about 60), optionally, at
least 90 (or about 90) seconds.

[0194] Optionally, the teeth are brushed with a tooth cleaning instrument
such as a toothbrush for a sufficient amount of time to provide desired
cleaning In certain embodiments, it has been found that, upon
introduction and removal of a portion, substantial portion or the bulk of
the compositions of the present invention from the oral cavity,
sufficient composition remains on the teeth, tongue and/or oral tissues
or mucosa of the mouth to give a satisfactory foaming and abrasive
action, when optionally used in conjunction with a toothbrush, and to
provide a long-lasting fresh mouth feel after use.

Optional Ingredients

Oral Care Actives

[0195] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention
further contain oral care actives. In certain embodiments, the oral care
actives include, but are not limited to, anti-plaque agents, fluoride ion
sources such as sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate and amine
fluorides (providing, for example, about 1-1500 ppm of fluoride ion,
optionally about 200-1150 ppm of fluoride ion); anti-calculus agents such
as water-soluble pyrophosphate salts, optionally, specific alkali metal
pyrophosphates; chelating agents; tooth desensitization agents which
reduce tooth sensitivity including potassium salts such as potassium
oxalate, potassium nitrate and potassium chloride (for example about 1%
to about 5% by weight) and strontium salts such as strontium chloride and
strontium acetate (for example about 2% to about 10% by weight); tooth
whitening agents and vitamins such as vitamin A.

[0196] In certain embodiments, suitable anti-plaque and/or anti-gingivitis
agents include, but are not limited to, oral care enzymes, non-ionic
antibacterial agents such as bromochlorophene and triclosan and cationic
agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine salts, and
mixtures thereof. Furthermore, it is known that certain water-insoluble
flavoring oils such as anethole, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, thymol
and menthol have an antibacterial effect at high concentrations. In
certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present invention
comprise from about 0.001% to about 1%, optionally from about 0.01% to
about 0.5% by weight of a non-ionic antibacterial agent. In some
embodiments, the water-insoluble anti-tartar agents comprise zinc salts
such as zinc citrate. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the
present invention can comprise from about 0.1% to about 1% of a
water-insoluble anti-calculus agent.

[0197] A more detailed discussion oral care actives useful in the
compositions of the present invention can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
7,601,338 to Masters et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,722 to Majeti et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,315 to Nair et al., both of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Carriers and Carrier Ingredients

[0198] In certain embodiments, the compositions according to the present
invention may comprise at least about 45%, optionally, at least about
60%, optionally, at least about 80% to about 99%, or, optionally, at
least about 80% to about 90% by weight of a liquid carrier, but it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that this proportion depends to
a large extent on the proportion of abrasive incorporated into the
composition. In certain embodiments, the liquid carrier may be in the
form of a solution, emulsion or microemulsion of components and, in some
embodiments, contain at least about 5% by weight water, optionally, at
least about 10% by weight water. In certain embodiments, alcohol such as
ethanol may optionally form part of the liquid carrier, for example, from
about 5% to about 35% by weight of the liquid carrier, and, in some
embodiments, is particularly useful in oral care compositions having a
high flavor impact and breath-freshening and/or antiseptic properties.
Optionally, the liquid carrier of the present invention is an orally
acceptable liquid carrier. The phrase "orally acceptable" means that the
carrier is suitable for application to the surfaces of the oral cavity or
ingestion by a living organism including, but not limited to, mammals and
humans without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic
response, and the like.

[0199] In specific embodiments, the compositions of the present invention
can be in the form of mouthrinses, mouthwashes, gels, liquid gels, liquid
dentifrices and the like.

[0200] In certain embodiments, the liquid carrier contains humectants,
substances that promote retention of moisture, to enhance the mouthfeel
of the product and to prevent drying out. In some embodiments, humectants
include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol and glycols such as
propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In other
embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the humectant, the liquid
carrier may contain silicone oils, for example, in an amount of from
about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. In certain clear product embodiments,
where the refractive index is an important consideration, the refractive
index of abrasive system can be chosen or made to match the refractive
index of the carrier or solvent system.

[0201] In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the present
invention may contain flavoring agents commonly in the form of oils
commercially available as mouthwash, mouth rinse, and toothpaste flavors.
In some embodiments, flavoring agents include, but are not limited to,
peppermint, spearmint, aniseed, menthol, eucalyptus, clove, thymol and
wintergreen, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, high levels of
flavoring oils can be incorporated into the oral care compositions of the
present invention by forming an emulsion in the liquid carrier. This is
particularly advantageous in certain embodiments, where the compositions
are required to have little or no alcohol content but which need to have
a high flavor impact. Conventional oral care compositions containing high
flavoring concentrations generally utilize substantial levels of alcohol
to dissolve the flavoring oils. In certain embodiments of the present
invention, high flavoring content may also be desirable where oral care
compositions contain an unpleasant tasting active ingredient, for example
an agent to reduce tooth sensitivity such as strontium chloride,
potassium nitrate and/or potassium oxalate or an anti-tartar agent such
as tetrapotassium pyrophosphate salts. In certain embodiments, the oral
care compositions according to the invention contain from about 0.01% to
about 1.5%, optionally, from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the
flavoring agent.

[0202] In certain embodiments, the oral care compositions of the invention
incorporate colorings, which may be soluble coloring agents
conventionally used in mouthwashes or dentifrices or may be the insoluble
particulates such as color pigments or whitening agents such as titanium
dioxide, pearlizing agents such as mica, or mixtures thereof. Color
pigments are generally available in a wider range of colors and are less
susceptible to fading than soluble coloring agents and may therefore be
used to advantage in the compositions of the present invention.

[0203] In certain embodiments, the pH of the oral care compositions
according to the present invention is generally in the range of from
about 3.5 to about 10.0, or optionally, from about 4.0 to 8.0. In other
embodiments, if desired, the pH can be controlled with acid, for example
citric acid, or base, for example sodium hydroxide, or buffered, for
example with citrate, phosphate, benzoate or bicarbonate buffering salts.

[0204] Various other materials may optionally be incorporated into certain
embodiments of the compositions of the present invention which will be
well known to those skilled in the art. These include, for example, at
least one of sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame; preservatives
such as sodium benzoate and parabens. In certain embodiments, these
optional additives may together comprise from about 0.01% to about 10%,
optionally, from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[0205] In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention
are free of or essentially free of bioavailability affecting compounds.
As used herein, "bioavailability affecting compound", means compounds
that negatively affect the bioavailability of any incorporated oral care
actives such as by binding the oral care actives or inactivating the oral
care actives. "Essentially free" as used with respect to bioavailability
affecting compounds is defined as formulations having less than 5% (or
about 5%), optionally, 3% (or about 3%), optionally, 1% (or about 1%), or
optionally, 0.01% (or about 0.01%), by weight of the total composition of
a bioavailability affecting compound. In certain embodiments, the
bioavailability affecting compound can include, but is not limited to,
chemically unmodified clays, water soluble calcium salts, water soluble
magnesium salts, water soluble aluminum salts, carbonate salts and
mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the oral care compositions of the
present invention are free of or essentially free of chemically
unmodified clays.

[0206] In certain embodiments, the compositions according to the invention
may be shaken prior to use or, alternatively, provide stable suspensions
during use without being shaken prior to use.

[0207] In other embodiments, the compositions according to the present
invention are pourable, pleasant tasting suspensions which remain
physically stable after storage, or in still further embodiments, after
long-term storage, for example, for over 3 months at ambient temperatures
and in particular have suitable sedimentation times, for example, greater
than 3 (or about 3), 6 (or about 6), 12 (or about 12), or 24 (or about
24) months.

[0208] In certain embodiments, a further advantage of the oral care
compositions according to the present invention relates to their ease of
manufacture compared to the manufacture of conventional dentifrices such
as toothpastes. It is well known in the art that stringent production
methods are required to obtain a satisfactory toothpaste product, for
example manufacture must be carried out under vacuum to prevent the
formation of air bubbles which produce a visually unacceptable product
and may lead to oxidation of the flavorings and syneresis (the process by
which a liquid is separated from a gel owing to further coagulation) of
the product. In contrast, certain embodiments of the oral care
compositions of the present invention are easily formulated by dispersing
the abrasive into a mixture of surfactant, suspending agent and liquid
carrier, under normal production conditions without the need for an
external vacuum or vacuumed environment.

[0209] The oral care compositions according to the invention are
illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLES

[0210] The oral compositions of the present invention as described in
following examples illustrate specific embodiments of compositions of the
present invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof. Other
modifications can be undertaken by the skilled artisan without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Example 1

Oral Care Formulations and Preparation.

[0211] A series of liquid gel dentifrices, listed in Tables 1 through 6
below, were formulated.

[0212] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 1 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, using a first suitable beaker (herein
after referring to it as the main beaker), a quantity of deionized water
was added to the main beaker, the citric acid was sprinkled in and mixed
until it dissolved. A Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines
Inc., East Longmeadow, Mass.) was used to disperse the gums. Once the
gums were dispersed, the mixture was switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo
Limited, Wiarton, Ontario, Canada), and stirring continued while the
mixture was heated to about 85.degree. C. The batch was held at about
85.degree. C. for about 5 minutes. The mixture was cooled and sorbitol
and saccharin were added at about 50.degree. C. and mixed until
homogeneous. Hydrated silica was added and the batch was mixed until the
batch was homogeneous, and cooled to about 30.degree. C. before the
addition of the alcohol phase (from Step B).

[0213] In Step B (the alcohol phase), in a second suitable beaker,
ethanol, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, mint flavor and
poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0214] In Step C (the surfactant blend), in a third suitable beaker,
deionized water and sodium lauryl sulfate were combined, and mixed until
visually clear to unaided eye.

[0215] In the final step, the contents of the second beaker (from Step B)
were added to the main beaker (of Step A) and mixed until homogenous.
Finally, the contents of the third beaker (of Step C) were added to the
main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0216] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 2 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, using a first suitable beaker (herein
after referring to it as the main beaker), a quantity of deionized water
was added to the main beaker, sprinkle in the citric acid and mixed until
it dissolved. A Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc.
East Longmeadow, Mass.) was used to disperse the gums by sprinkling them
in slowly, and mixed for 5 to 10 minutes. Once gums were dispersed, the
mixer was switched to a Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario,
Canada), and mixing continued. Sorbitol and saccharin sodium were added,
and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. Then, the silica was
added and mixed well until it was uniformly distributed.

[0217] In Step B (the alcohol phase), in a second suitable beaker,
ethanol, n-propanol, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, mint
flavor and Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed well until homogeneous.

[0218] In Step C (the surfactant blend), in a third suitable beaker,
deionized water and sodium lauryl sulfate, were combined and mixed until
the mixture was visually clear to the unaided eye.

[0219] In the final step, the contents of the second beaker (from Step B)
were added to the main beaker (of Step A) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the third beaker (of Step C) were
added to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0220] The liquid gel dentifrice of Table 3 were prepared according to the
following steps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride,
cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized water
were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

[0221] In Step B, xanthan gum, in the form of a powder, was added to
deionized water in a second beaker to create a 1% solution. Mixing was
performed in a Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc.
East Longmeadow, Mass.) until all solids were dissolved.

[0222] In Step C, the deionized water was added to a third beaker. Using
the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer, the carrageenan was dispersed in the
water by sprinkling it in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. The
Avicel CL-611 microcrystalline cellulose/sodium carboxy methylcellulose
was sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued to
operate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was switched to
Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixing
continued. sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and the
solution was mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside was
melted, and added to the batch, and mixing was continued until
homogeneous. The xanthan gum solution (Step B, second beaker) was added
to the batch, and mixing continued until homogenous. Then, the silica was
added and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0223] In Step D (the alcohol phase), in a fourth beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor, or ethanol, mint flavor, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate,
eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0224] In the final step, the contents of the fourth beaker (from Step D)
were added to the third beaker (of Step C) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were
added to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0225] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 4 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, the sodium saccharin, sodium fluoride,
and deionized water were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were
dissolved.

[0226] In Step B, the glycerine was added to a second beaker, and mixing
started. Methylparaben was added, and the solution was mixed until
homogeneous. Then the montmorillonite clay was added to the batch, and
mixing continued until homogeneous. The contents of the first beaker
(Step A) were added to the batch of second beaker, and mixing continued
until homogeneous. Then, the silica was added to the second beaker and
mixed until the batch was homogeneous. Finally, the sodium lauryl
sulfate, flavor, and dye were sequentially added to the second beaker and
mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0227] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 5 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride,
cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized water
were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

[0228] In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using a
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. East Longmeadow,
Mass.), the carrageenan was dispersed in the water by sprinkling them in
slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. The mixer was switched to Caframo
mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixing continued.
The acryate copolymer was added, and the solution was mixed until
homogeneous. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and
the solution was mixed until homogenous. The lauryl glucoside was melted,
and added to the batch, and mixing was continued until homogeneous. Then,
the silica was added to the second beaker and mixed until the batch was
homogeneous.

[0229] In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0230] In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C)
were added to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed until homogenous.
Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were added to the
second beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0231] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 6 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, the sodium lauryl sulfate and deionized
water were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

[0232] In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using a
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. East Longmeadow,
Mass.), the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was dispersed in the water by
sprinkling them in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. Sorbitol and
sodium saccharin were added, and the solution was mixed well until
homogeneous. Then, the silica was added the second beaker and mixed until
the batch was homogeneous.

[0233] In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol, mint
flavor, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407
were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0234] In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C)
were added to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were
added to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogenous.

[0235] The liquid gel dentifrices of Table 7 were prepared according to
the following steps. In Step A, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate,
cocamidopropyl betaine, and deionized water were mixed in a first beaker
until all solids were dissolved.

[0236] In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using a
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. East Longmeadow,
Mass.), the gellan/carrageenan/celluloses were sprinkled in, and the
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued to operate until the mixture
was homogeneous. The mixer was switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited
Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixing continued. Sorbitol, sodium
saccharin, and sucralose were added, and the solution was mixed well
until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside was melted, and added to the
batch, and mixing was continued until homogeneous. Then, the silica was
added and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0237] In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0238] In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C)
were added to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) and the
hydrogen peroxide solution (Formulation 7-3) were added to the main
beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0239] The inventive liquid gel dentifrices of Table 8 were prepared
according to the following steps. In Step A, the surfactant or surfactant
combinations (using the sodium lauryl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl
betaine, sodium trideceth sulfate, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, and/or sodium
methyl cocoyl taurate as listed in Table 8), sodium fluoride, and
deionized water were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were
dissolved.

[0240] In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using a
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. East Longmeadow,
Mass.), the gellan and/or carrageenan (if required by the formulation in
Table 8) were sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer
continued to operate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was
switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and
mixing continued. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added,
and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside
(if required by the formulation in Table 8) was melted, and added to the
batch, and mixing was continued until homogeneous. Then, the silica (if
required by the formulation in Table 8) was added and mixed until the
batch was homogeneous.

[0241] In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0242] In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C)
were added to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) and the
hydrogen peroxide solution (as in the case of Formulation 8-1) were added
to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0243] The comparative liquid gel dentifrices of Table 9 were prepared
according to the following steps. In Step A, the sodium lauryl sulfate,
sodium fluoride, and deionized water were mixed in a first beaker until
all solids were dissolved.

[0244] In Step B, deionized water was added to a second beaker. Using a
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc. East Longmeadow,
Mass.), the gellan and/or carrageenan (if required by the formulation in
Table 9) were sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer
continued to operate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was
switched to Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and
mixing continued. Sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added,
and the solution was mixed well until homogeneous. Then, the silica (if
required by the formulation in Table 9) was added and mixed until the
batch was homogeneous.

[0245] In Step C (the alcohol phase), in a third beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0246] In the final step, the contents of the third beaker (from Step C)
were added to the second beaker (of Step B) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) was
added to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.

[0247] The list of ingredients, and their trade names and sources, are
shown on Table 10.

[0248] Formulations described in Example 1 were tested for their
rheological properties. The same instrumentation was used for both the
oscillatory and steady shear measurements. The instrument used was a
strain controlled oscillatory rheometer (model RFSII, TA Instruments, New
Castle, Del.). Couette and parallel plate geometries were used in all of
the testing.

[0249] Steady shear viscosity was measured to probe the time dependence
and pseudoplasticity of the samples over a broad range of shear rates
from 0.02/s to 100/s. These measurements were intended to cover the range
of consumer use at both room temperature and body temperature, such as
physical appearance, pourability, and tooth swishing. Measurements were
made at 0.02, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 25, 50 and 100 s.sup.-1 for all samples.

[0250] For the dynamic oscillatory measurements, the strain sweeps were
completed at a frequency of 10 radians/s to determine the viscoelastic
region and the frequencies were done in the linear region or near at a
strain of 0.02 at RT. The estimation of stability was based on the
strength of the gel network. If there was no relaxation, and tan
(delta)<1.0, stability was deemed to be good.

[0251] Table 11 shows the results of viscosity and tan delta values for
various formulations.

[0252] The table shows that formulations 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2, and
4-1 all met the tan delta criteria of less than 1.0 at frequencies 0.1 to
100 rads.sup.-1, and additionally meet the viscosity criteria at a shear
rate of 10 s.sup.-1 of less than 700 centipoise, and the viscosity
criteria at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1 of less than 150 centipoise.
Formulation 4-1 contained clay.

Example 3

Stability Testing

[0253] All formulations from Example 1 were checked initially and, if no
obvious visible (to the unaided eye) signs of sedimentation had occurred,
at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, with the following parameters measured
each time:

[0260] Formulations from Example 1, Table 7 were used in a small (30
person) consumer trial to compare foaming characteristics of the
formulations. Each participant evaluated the three formulations in
randomized order. The instructions were to rinse 15 ml of each
formulation for 45 seconds, expectorate, and brush with a toothbrush for
1 minute. The participants were asked to wait a minimum of 3 hours
between evaluations.

[0261] For each formulation, participants were asked to comment on the
"Foam consistency" during the late stage of the rinse step, and the
"Amount of foam" during the toothbrush step. The possible comments for
"Foam consistency" were "Too thick", "Too thin", or "Just about right".
The possible comments for "Amount of foam" were "Too much", "Too little",
or "Just about right".

[0262] Formulation 7-1 used gellan and carrageenan as suspending agents.
Formulation 7-2 used only gellan as a suspending agent. Formulation 7-3
used gellan and hydroxypropyl cellulose as suspending agents, and
contained hydrogen peroxide as a gas generator.

[0263] During the late stage of the rinse step, formulation 7-2 was found
to be superior for "Foam consistency", while formulation 7-1 was found to
be superior for the "Amount of foam". During brushing, formulations 7-1
and 7-2 were found to be superior for "Foam consistency", while
formulation 7-1 was found to be superior for the "Amount of foam".

Example 5

Foam Characteristics Analysis

[0264] The distribution of bubble size was determined for formulations
from Example 1, Table 8. The foam generating and analysis method used is
the foam generation and screening test described above which was designed
to generate and measure the diameter of foam bubbles for various
formulations such as liquid dentifrice formulas, body wash preparations,
shampoos, facial cleansers and other cosmetic product forms that produce
foam or lather.

[0274] A mixture was prepared by adding the appropriate amount of each of
the formulations in Example 1, Table 8 to the artificial saliva to
achieve 80% of formulation in the mixture, the artificial saliva having
the following constituents:

[0275] The mixture was placed into the Oster 14-speed (model #6855)
Blender and blended for 10 seconds at a speed setting of one (1). A 0.005
gram sample of the foam from the surface of the mixture inside the
blender was removed using a spatula.

[0276] The 0.005 gram foam sample was placed on a 25 mm.times.75 mm glass
slide having two 0.634 mm PET spacers positioned on each corner of the
slide. A second slide was placed onto the first slide and spaced by the
PET spacers ensuring that there was a monolayer of foam between the two
slides.

[0277] The slide was mounted on the Olympus optical microscope (model
BX-51 with Discover Details 5 Image Analysis software stage), adjusting
the microscope to reflectance mode and capturing the image using the
5.times. objective and then analyzed. The results are summarized in Table
12.

[0278] Formulation 8-1 used gellan as the suspending agent, and contained
hydrogen peroxide as a gas generator. Formulation 8-2 used only gellan as
the suspending agent. Formulation 8-3 used gellan and carrageenan as the
suspending agents.

[0279] All foams generated using the inventive formulations comprising
surfactant systems of the present invention had a bubble size
distribution such that each 0.005 grams of foam had at least 80 bubbles
having a diameter of less than 5 .mu.m. Foams generated using the using
the inventive formulations comprising the surfactant systems of the
present invention in combination with the foam enhancing agents of the
present invention, but without incorporating (or free of) a gas
generating agent (or material) had a bubble size distribution such that
each 0.005 grams of foam had at least 250 bubbles having a diameter of
less than 5 .mu.m. This bubble size distribution was surprising similar
to the bubble size distribution of about 300 bubbles having a diameter of
less than 5 .mu.m per 0.005 grams of foam exhibited by the hydrogen
peroxide (or, gas generating agent) containing formulation 8.1.

[0280] Foams generated using the comparative formulations 9-1, 9-2, and
9-3, comprising sodium lauryl sulfate had a bubble size distribution such
that each 0.005 grams of foam had at least 25 bubbles having a diameter
of less than 5 .mu.m. Foams generated using the using the comparative
formulations comprising the surfactant systems of the present invention
in combination with the foam enhancing agents of the present invention,
but without incorporating (or free of) a gas generating agent (or
material) exhibited a bubble size distribution such that each 0.005 grams
of foam had at least 100 bubbles having a diameter of less than 5 .mu.m.
When occupying a an area of 25 mm.times.75 mm.times.1.270 mm, however,
the 0.005 gram foam samples of the comparative formulations did not
correspondingly provide a bubble size distribution such that at least 90%
of the bubbles had a diameter of less than about 50 microns.

Example 6

[0281] The oral care compositions of the present invention can also be
formed in gel mouth rinses. An example of a gel mouth rinse is provided
in Table 14.

[0282] The gel mouth rinse of Table 14 was prepared according to the
following steps. In Step A, the disodium EDTA, sodium fluoride,
cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and deionized water
were mixed in a first beaker until all solids were dissolved.

[0283] In Step B, xanthan gum, in the form of a powder, was added to
deionized water in a second beaker to create a 1% solution. Mixing was
performed in a Silverson L4RT high shear mixer (Silverson Machines Inc.
East Longmeadow, Mass.) until all solids were dissolved.

[0284] In Step C, deionized water was added to a third beaker. Using the
Silverson L4RT high shear mixer, the carrageenan was dispersed in the
water by sprinkling them in slowly, and mixing until homogeneous. The
Avicel CL-611 microcrystalline cellulose/sodium carboxy methylcellulose
was sprinkled in, and the Silverson L4RT high shear mixer continued to
operate until the mixture was homogeneous. The mixer was switched to
Caframo mixer (Caframo Limited Wiarton, Ontario, Canada) and mixing
continued. sorbitol, sodium saccharin, and sucralose were added, and the
solution was mixed well until homogeneous. The lauryl glucoside was
melted, and added to the batch, and mixing was continued until
homogeneous. The xanthan gum solution (Step B, second beaker) was added
to the batch, and mixing continued until homogenous. Then, the agar,
vitamin E actate, pigment was added and mixed until the batch was
homogeneous.

[0285] In Step D (the alcohol phase), in a fourth beaker, ethanol and mint
flavor, or ethanol, mint flavor, thymol, menthol, methyl salicylate,
eucalyptol, and Poloxamer 407 were combined, and mixed until homogeneous.

[0286] In the final step, the contents of the fourth beaker (from Step D)
were added to the third beaker (of Step C) and mixed well until
homogenous. Finally, the contents of the first beaker (of Step A) were
added to the main beaker and mixed until the batch was homogeneous.